Seat with integrated trim assembly and storage bin

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an underside thereof that includes a latchable lid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly,and more particularly to a seat with an integrated trim assembly andstorage bin for a vehicle seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The general construction of the vehicle seating assembly of the presentinvention is designed to be lightweight and thin, yet rigid, to providesupport to a passenger during both regular use and in the event of acollision. The lightweight material also provides a flexible resilientlayer to the vehicle seating assembly to increase the overall comfort ofa passenger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seating assemblyhaving a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forwardsupport frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pinson a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed onthe polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configuredto receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seatincludes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open andclosed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded humpconfigured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward inthe seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an undersidethereof that includes a latchable lid.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seatingassembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defininga forward support frame having a plurality of connection pins on a frontsurface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymericbody portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive theplurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seatpan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions.The seat pan includes a forward rounded hump configured to lessen thepotential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seatingassembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion. Aflexible comfort carrier is operably coupled to the polymeric bodyportion. A seat includes a seat pan rotatably coupled with a seat binand includes a forward rounded hump configured to lessen the potentialof a passenger to slide forward in the seat, as well as a storagecompartment disposed on an underside thereof.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vehicle that includes oneembodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of aplurality of seat backs of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatback of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a connection pinengaged with an engagement slot;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged side cross-sectional view taken at line 2C-2C ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatback with a static head restraint;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatback with a movable head restraint;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatback with a comfort carrier and a cushion material extending over thevehicle seat back;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a flexiblecomfort carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cushion layerof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a movable headrestraint;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective cross-sectional view taken of a movablehead restraint installed in a support frame and in a use position;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention with the head restraint rotated forward to a storageposition;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicleseating assembly incorporating a fixed head restraint;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a fixed head restraint for use witha vehicle seating assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly with a cupholder assembly;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating assembly ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the vehicle assembly of FIG. 14with the cupholder assembly removed;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating assembly ofFIG. 14 with the cupholder assembly and flexible comfort carrierremoved;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a cupholder assembly of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged side perspective view of the cupholder assemblyof FIG. 18 with a latching device secured thereto;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicleseating assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the seating assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat of thevehicle seating assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the seat of FIG. 22 with the seatpan in an open position;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicleseating assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly ofFIG. 24 with the seat back panel removed;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a vehicle seat back panel of FIG.25;

FIG. 28A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a seatand a seat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28B is a side elevational view of the seat of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the seat pan illustrated in the seat ofFIG. 28A;

FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG. 30 with areinforcement support added thereto;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the reinforcement support of FIG.31;

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicleseat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the seat pan of FIG. 33; and

FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, reference numeral 8 generally designatesa vehicle having a vehicle seating assembly 10 including a seat 11, aswell as a seat back 12 having a polymeric body portion 14, which definesa support frame 16 having a plurality of forwardly extending connectionpins 18 disposed about a periphery of a forward surface 20 of thesupport frame 16. A flexible comfort carrier 22 is disposed over theforward surface 20 of the support frame 16. The flexible comfort carrier22 includes a multitude of openings 24, which define a support matrix 26configured to support the weight of a passenger. The flexible comfortcarrier 22 includes a plurality of slots 28 configured to receive andengage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins 18. Acushion layer 30 extends over the flexible comfort carrier 22. A headrestraint 32 extends upwardly from the support frame 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the illustrated vehicle seatingassembly 10 includes substantially linear vertically-extending sideportions 40 configured for abutment with an adjacent vehicle seatingassembly 10 (FIG. 2). Notably, the plurality of slots 28 are generallylinearly aligned on each of the side portions 40, as well as a topportion of the seat back 12. The seat back 12 includes cutouts 41 at alower portion thereof for connection with a hinge assembly that extendsupwardly from the seat 11 of the vehicle seating assembly 10. As notedin FIG. 3A, pivot apertures 44 are located in the cutouts 41 and areconfigured to engage pivot knobs 46, such as that shown in FIG. 14,thereby allowing the seat back 12 to rotate relative to the seat 11. Theseat back 12 is also configured to accommodate various head restraints32, such as a fixed head restraint 48 (FIGS. 12 and 13), or a movablehead restraint 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The versatility of themovable head restraint 50 will be discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the plurality of slots 28 generallydefine key hole slots having a widened portion 49 and a narrowed portion52. The forwardly extending connection pins 18 are configured to engagethe widened portion 49 of the slots 28 and slide into the narrowedportion 52 of the slots 28 where the forwardly extending connecting pins18 are retained. The engagement of the forwardly extending connectionpins 18 with the key hole slots 28 maintains the flexible comfortcarrier 22 in position on the support frame 16. The forwardly extendingconnection pins 18 include a neck 60 with a head 62 extending therefrom.An angled wall 64 transitions the neck 60 to the head 62. Duringassembly, a manufacturer would position the flexible comfort carrier 22next to the seat back 12 and align the widened portion 49 of the keyhole slots 28 with the forwardly extending connection pins 18. Themanufacturer would insert the forwardly extending connection pins 18into the widened portion 49 and push the flexible comfort carrier 22downward, thereby forcing the forwardly extending connection pins 18into secure engagement with the narrowed portion 52 of the key holeslots 28. The flexible comfort carrier 22 would then be installed.Features such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/749,584, entitled “QUICK-CONNECT TRIM CARRIER ATTACHMENT,” filed onJan. 24, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, may also be implemented.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support frame 16 includes a numberof forwardly extending support flanges 70 that run both vertically andhorizontally that provide structural rigidity and overall strength tothe support frame 16. An outer periphery of the support frame 16includes a number of planar portions 72 from which the forwardlyextending connection pins 18 extend. The forwardly extending connectionpins 18 and the planar portions 72 are equidistantly spaced about theperiphery in the illustrated embodiment. A top portion of the seat 11includes a head restraint receiving assembly 74 that is configured toreceive a support post 76 from the movable head restraint 50 (FIG. 5) orconfigured to receive first and second cylindrical support posts 77, 78of the fixed head restraint 48. The general construction of the supportframe 16, and specifically the polymeric body portion 14 of the supportframe 16, is designed to be lightweight and thin, yet exceptionallystrong to support a passenger during both regular use and in the eventof a collision. An intermediate portion of the support frame 16 includesa recessed area contoured to the shape of the back of a passenger. Alower area of the intermediate portion may arc outwardly to support thelower lumbar region of the back of a passenger.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the general construction of the vehicleseating assembly 10 includes the seat back 12, which is connected to theflexible comfort carrier 22 via the interface of the key hole slots 28and the forwardly extending connection pins 18. The cushion layer 30extends over the flexible comfort carrier 22 and may include an open orclosed foam material 84 that is secured over the flexible comfortcarrier 22. The foam material 84 is lightweight and provides anotherflexibly resilient layer to the seat 11 to increase the overall comfortof the vehicle seating assembly 10. After the foam material 84 isinstalled, a coverstock is secured over the foam material 84 togenerally protect the foam material 84 and the seat back 12.

The flexible comfort carrier 22, as illustrated in FIG. 8, is generallyconstructed from a flexible polymer. In the illustrated embodiment, themultitude of openings 24 that define the support matrix 26 are providedin varying arrays of vertical and horizontal hoops 90 that are generallylinear in configuration. The horizontal hoops 90 may extend in avertical direction or a horizontal direction. The construction of theflexible comfort carrier 22 allows the hoops 90 to expand and retract,depending on the shape and size of a passenger, as well as dynamicloading placed on the flexible comfort carrier 22 during regular use andduring a collision event. In addition, reinforcement rings 93 areprovided that surround each slot 28 to provide reinforcing support tothe flexible comfort carrier 22. A periphery 95 of the flexible comfortcarrier 22 includes a reinforced portion 92 that includes a plurality ofcoverstock engagement holes 97 configured to receive and secureengagement fasteners on the coverstock.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the movable head restraint 50 is generallyconfigured to extend into the head restraint receiving assembly 74 andthe support frame 16. The support post 76 of the movable head restraint50 has a generally planar construction and includes a bladeconfiguration having an intermediate planar portion 94, as well as sideportions 96 that define the coverstock engagement holes 97 configured tointerface with the head restraint receiving assembly 74 of the supportframe 16. The coverstock engagement holes 97 help guide the support post76 between the use position (FIGS. 2 and 10), as well as the storedposition (FIG. 11). A stop may be provided on a bottom portion 93 of thesupport post 76. The movable head restraint 50 includes a headrest 98that is supported on the post 76. The attachment of the post 76 with theheadrest 98 is reinforced by flanges 101. The flanges 101 taper from themovable head restraint 50 to the support post 76. The headrest 98 hasplanar side members 102. The internal area of the headrest 98 includes amultitude of vertical and horizontal reinforcing members 103. A topportion of the headrest 98 may taper such that a bottom portion of theheadrest 98 is wider than a top portion. The intermediate planar portion94 includes an aperture 99 configured to receive a retaining hook 100(FIG. 10). Thus, the movable head restraint 50 can be inserted into thesupport frame 16 until the retaining hook 100 engages the aperture 99.When the retaining hook 100 engages the aperture 99, the movable headrestraint 50 is held in secure relation to the support frame 16. Toremove the movable head restraint 50, the movable head restraint 50 ispushed downward, which forces the retaining hook 100 out of engagementwith the aperture 99. The movable head restraint 50 can then bewithdrawn and rotated forward, as illustrated in FIG. 11. It isgenerally contemplated that a push-push mechanism, as understood by aperson having ordinary skill in the art could be used to both engage anddisengage the movable head restraint 50 for the seat back 12.Alternatively, the retaining hook 100 may be permanently secured withthe aperture 99 and released only by a special tool. In the illustratedembodiment, the movable head restraint 50 can be tilted forward to 94degrees relative to the seat back 12. When the head restraint 32 is inthe forward stored position, the seat back 12 can be rotated forward toa downward position without interfering with the seat back 12 from afront seat in the vehicle cabin. In one embodiment, the movable headrestraint 50 is lifted up until a bottom portion of the post 76 isproximate an abutment member 105 (FIG. 10). The movable head restraint50 can then be rotated approximately 94 degrees until the post 76 abutsthe abutment member 105. Alternatively, the seat back 12 can bemaintained in the upright position and provide increased visibilityrearward for passengers and the driver in the front seat of the vehiclecabin. The support post 76 is configured to be substantially withdrawnfrom the seat back 12 before moving from the use position to the storageposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fixed head restraint 48 isdesigned to engage the support frame 16 and maintain a fixed positionrelative to the support frame 16 during use. However, it is contemplatedthat the fixed head restraint 48 could be removed in the event repair orreplacement is necessary in relation to the fixed head restraint 48.Additionally, to accommodate the first and second cylindrical supportposts 77, 78 that extend downwardly from the fixed head restraint 48,the seat back 12 includes a different head restraint receiving assembly74 designed to accommodate the first and second cylindrical supportposts 77, 78. The vehicle seating assembly 10 is otherwise similar tothe embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9. The headrestraint receiving assembly 74 includes two post receivers configuredto lockingly engage latches 79 on the posts 77, 78, thereby maintainingthe fixed head restraint 48 in fixed relation to the vehicle seatingassembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-19, the illustrated vehicle seating assembly108 includes a cupholder assembly 110 having a general T-shapedconfiguration. A base portion 112 of the cupholder assembly 110 isrotatably coupled with the seat back 12. Accordingly, the cupholderassembly 110 can be rotated vertically about a horizontal axis betweendeployed and non-deployed positions. When in the non-deployed position,the cupholder assembly 110 is generally flush with a forward surface ofa trim cover of the seat back 12. When in the deployed position, thecupholder assembly 110 extends forward relative to the seat back 12 andfirst and second cupholders 114, 115 deploy and are ready for use by apassenger.

With reference to FIG. 16, if the cupholder assembly 110 is notinstalled, the flexible comfort carrier 22 may simply include a solidpolymeric portion 117. Notably, the vehicle seating assembly 108 havingthe cupholder assembly 110 includes a small head restraint 118. It iscontemplated that the small head restraint 118 may be movable or fixed,depending on the desired use of the vehicle seating assembly 108. Thesmall head restraint 118 provides a lower height to the vehicle seatingassembly 108, generally thereby increasing the rearward view of apassenger in a front portion of the vehicle cabin. As shown in FIG. 17,the seat backs 12 may include shared planar portions 72. Other featuresof the vehicle seating assembly 108 are similar to features previouslydisclosed in relation to other embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the cupholder assembly 110 may includedifferent configurations. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the baseportion 112 of the cupholder assembly 110 includes apertures configuredto engage pivot knobs 46 in the seat back 12. The cupholder assembly 110can be rotated forward, as noted above, and the cupholders 114, 115 canbe deployed, such that cups carrying a beverage can be inserted into theopenings defined by the cupholders 114, 115. The cupholder assembly 110includes an inner support 116 that provides support to the cupholderassembly 110. The cupholder assembly 110 is configured to be rotatedbetween deployed and non-deployed positions by rotation of the cupholderassembly 110 about pivot apertures 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, another embodiment of the presentinvention includes a narrow vehicle seating assembly 210. In theillustrated embodiment, the narrow vehicle seating assembly 10 is a 20percent seat, meaning that the vehicle seating assembly 10 is not afull-size seat and is generally configured to be positioned between two40 percent seats in the vehicle cabin. The vehicle seating assembly 210includes a seat back 212 having upper and lower portions 213, 215supported on a frame 216, as well as a headrest 214. The vehicle seatingassembly 210 also includes a seat 220 with a seat pan 222 extending overthe seat 220. The seat 220 is supported on a frame assembly 223. Anupturned portion 224 of the frame assembly 223 is pivotally coupled withthe seat back 212. A forward portion 226 of the frame assembly 223supports a base portion 225 that engages the seat pan 222.

The seat pan 222 is movable between a closed position (FIG. 22) and anopen position (FIG. 23). The seat pan 222 includes an intermediate flexportion 230, which flexes under the weight of a passenger, therebyproviding additional comfort to a passenger. The intermediate flexportion 230 is centrally disposed in the seat pan 222 and may be made ofa similar or different material than the seat pan 222. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23, the intermediate flex portion230 is wider at a forward end and narrower at a rearward end.

Referring again to FIGS. 20-23, the seat pan 222 also includes ananti-submarine feature in the form of a forward rounded hump 238 thatminimizes the likelihood of submarining of the passenger during use.Submarining, for purposes of this disclosure, generally refers to theact of a passenger being forced off the forward edge of the seat under aseatbelt during a forward collision event. The intermediate flex portion230 includes eyelets 231 configured to engage hooks on the seat pan 222.The intermediate flex portion 230 also includes a multitude of upwardlyextending nubs 232 that provide additional grip and flexure to theintermediate flex portion 230. A bottom side of the intermediate flexportion 230 includes a peripheral flange 233. A forward portion 240 ofthe seat pan 222 includes a latch 242 configured to engage a catch 227on the support frame 216 of the vehicle seating assembly 210. When theseat pan 222 is in the open position, cupholders 244 are available foruse. In addition, a storage compartment 248 behind the cupholders 244 isavailable to store small items. An underside of the seat pan 222includes lateral supports 250 designed to provide structural rigidity tothe seat pan 222.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, yet another embodiment of the presentinvention includes a vehicle seating assembly 310 having a seat back312, a seat 314, and a head restraint 315. The seat 314 is supportedover a lower frame 316. The lower frame 316 is pivotally coupled with anupper frame 317 that supports the seat back 312. A back panel 318 of theseat back 312 includes cupholders 320, as well as a storage compartment322. Accordingly, the seat back 312 can be rotated relative to the seat314, such that the cupholders 320 and the storage compartment 322 areready for use by passengers. The upper frame 317 defines a cavity 324into which the cupholders 320 and the storage compartment 322 extend. Aflexible support member 330 having slots or indents 329 extends acrossthe upper frame 317 and provides support to a comfort carrier or acushion assembly. A rear side of the upper frame 317 includes a latticeof structural webbing 332.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the vehicle seat back 312 includes a topportion 331 that defines the cupholders 320. A bottom portion 333includes the storage compartment 322. A second smaller raisedcompartment 334 is disposed below and behind the storage compartment 322and separated from the storage compartment 322 by a wall 335. The seatback 312 is rotatable about hinge members 336.

Referring now to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the seat 314 includes a seat pan 350of the vehicle seating assembly 310 and includes a forward rounded hump352 designed to minimize the effects of submarining and also to providea lightweight, yet rigid, solution to the seating comfort of apassenger. The seat pan 350 is rotatable about a rear pivot member 351between closed and opened positions, such that a storage compartment 354beneath the seat pan 350 can be accessed. When in the closed position,the seat pan 350 can be held closed via a latching assembly 352. Inaddition, as shown in FIGS. 29-32, the seat pan 350 may include alattice of structural supports 356 that provide rigidity to the seat pan350, and may also include a polymeric or metallic support member 360that provides yet further support for the seat pan 350. The supportmember 360 includes a contoured surface 362 that generally follows thecontours of the underside of the seat pan 350. In the illustratedembodiment, the support member 360 extends across substantially all ofan underside of the seat pan 380.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-35, in yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, a seat pan 380 is provided that includes a small storagecompartment 382 forward on an underside of the seat pan 380. The seatpan 380 includes a matrix of support flanges 384 that are disposed on atop side of the seat pan 380 under a cushion material 381 configured tosupport the weight of a passenger. The small storage compartment 382 mayinclude a lid or door to secure smaller items inside the small storagecompartment 382. A forward portion of the seat pan 380 includes a latch385 and a rearward portion of the seat pan 380 includes a pivot member386 designed to engage the frame 316 of the seat 314, such that the seatpan 380 can be rotated between closed and opened positions.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of the wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of the wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure and methods without departing from theconcepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatback including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support framehaving a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a frontsurface thereof; a flexible comfort carrier disposed on the polymericbody portion and including a plurality of slots configured to receivethe plurality of forwardly extending connection pins; and a seatincluding a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open andclosed positions, the seat pan including a forward upwardly-rounded humpconfigured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward inthe seat, the seat pan also including a storage compartment on anunderside thereof that includes a latchable lid, wherein the seat panincludes an intermediate flex portion that is configured to flex underthe weight of a passenger and that has a multitude of upwardly extendingnubs.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat panincludes a small storage compartment formed on an underside of the seatpan.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat panincludes a metallic support member that extends across substantially allof an underside of the seat pan.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the seat pan includes a latch at a forward portionthereof, and a forward rounded hump on a top portion thereof that isconfigured to act as an anti-submarining feature.
 5. A vehicle seatingassembly comprising: a seat back including a polymeric body portiondefining a forward support frame having a plurality of connection pinson a front surface thereof; a flexible comfort carrier disposed on thepolymeric body portion and including a plurality of slots configured toreceive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins; and a seatincluding a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open andclosed positions, the seat pan including a forward rounded humpconfigured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward inthe seat, wherein the seat pan includes an intermediate flex portion andalso includes a peripheral flange and lateral supports on an undersidethereof.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, wherein theintermediate flex portion includes a multitude of upwardly extendingnubs.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, wherein the seat panincludes a small storage compartment formed on an underside of the seatpan.
 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, wherein the seat panincludes a metallic support member that extends across substantially allof an underside of the seat pan.
 9. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the metallic support member has a shape that generallyconforms to a shape of the underside of the seat pan.
 10. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a hard back panel on aback side of the seat back that includes at least one cupholder and astorage compartment.
 11. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatback including a polymeric body portion; a flexible comfort carrieroperably coupled to the polymeric body portion; and a seat including aseat pan rotatably coupled with a seat bin and including: a forwardrounded hump that lessens the potential of a passenger to slide forwardin the seat; a storage compartment disposed on an underside thereof; anintermediate flex portion; and a multitude of upwardly extending nubs.12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the seat panincludes a metallic support member that extends across substantially allof an underside of the seat pan.
 13. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the intermediate flex portion includes a peripheralflange and lateral supports on an underside thereof.
 14. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a hard back panel on aback side of the seat back that includes at least one cupholder and astorage compartment.